Upon the completion of Brother Burditt’s theological course, he volunteered for Missionary work in India, whither he proceeded under the American Baptist Foreign Missionary Board. At first associated with Dr. Downie, at Nellore, while studying the language, he later founded a mission in a new field at Udayagiri, where he was successful in building up a very flourishing church. After ten years of unremitting labor he returned home on furlough. Upon his return to India he was stationed at Narsarapette, where three years later he died of typhoid fever, in 1894—a martyr to his too strenuous endeavors in the cause of Christ. Thus has our church had the honor of sending out laborers into the Master’s Vineyard.
Rev. Dr. Carey’s Resignation.
Rev. G. M. W. Carey having resigned the pastorate, and accepted a call from the Princess Gate Baptist Church, Liverpool, Eng., preached his farewell sermon, March 6th, 1881. The house was filled to overflowing and many were turned away. Dr. Carey preached a powerful sermon from Acts 20: 26-27, 31-32. Both preacher and congregation were visibly affected during the discourse. On March 11th the farewell meeting was held, and despite a heavy rainstorm the church was completely filled. Besides the members of the congregation there were present representatives of the various denominations of the city to say farewell to one who by his faithful work, not only in his own Church and denomination, but in all departments of Christian work, as well as by his kindly manner and upright character, had won the respect and love of all with whom he had brought into contact. As a slight token of appreciation, handsome presents in silver and a beautiful French marble clock were presented to Dr. and Mrs. Carey. During his pastorate of fifteen years, Dr. Carey had preached fifteen hundred sermons, baptized three hundred persons, solemnized three hundred marriages, and delivered one hundred and fifty lectures.
Rev. G. M. W. Carey was born in Belfast, Ireland, March 10th, 1829. He received his early education at the Moravian Village, Grace Hill, Belfast, and when a boy came to Canada with his parents. He attended the Grammar School at Vankleek, Ont., and at the University of Rochester, N. Y., took the Degree of B.A. and M.A. from Acadia University, as well as from the Baptist College, Toronto. He also held a certificate from the University of Chicago for having successfully completed the advanced course in Hebrew, and in 1894 the Honorary Degree of D.D. was conferred by Acadia. He was ordained after his graduation from Rochester, and was pastor of the Queen Street Baptist Church, St. Catherines, Ont., for ten years. He then came to St. John, and labored successfully with this Church for fifteen years—1865-188. He was then called to the Princess Gate Church of Liverpool, England, where he remained four years. Returning to Canada, he was pastor at Brantford and Ottawa, Ont., for some years, when he returned to St. John, having accepted the pastorate of the Brussels Street Church of this city—remaining from 1839 till 1899. He then went to Ottawa, where at his daughter’s home, surrounded by his wife and family, he lay down to rest, and in his sleep passed peacefully away—in just such manner, as he himself had often expressed the desire that his passion might be.
Dr. Carey was one of the most eloquent preachers who have filled this pulpit, and drew large congregations, especially to the evening services. As a lecturer also he was very popular—his lectures on “The Making and Ministry of Money,” always drew crowded houses, and were delivered for the benefit of various churches and societies. His genial manner and exemplary Christian character endeared him to all classes in the community. He was a true optimist, and looked forward to a confederation of the English Speaking Peoples of the globe, to promote religion, learning, commerce and peace.
REV. W. M. WEEKS’ PASTORATE.
On the 8th of April, 1881, Mr. William M. Weeks, the pastor elect, was ordained by a Council called for that purpose, and inducted into the pastorate. This year revised rules of order were reported by a committee, and adopted by the Church. During the year the debt was reduced $1,600, of which amount $300 was raised by the Ladies’ Mite Society. The Weekly Offering system, which is still in use, was also adopted. At the end of a year Brother Weeks resigned the pastorate and returned to the United States.
PASTORATE OF REV. HENRY CROSS.
Y. P. S. C. E. Organized.
On February 12th, 1883, the Young People’s Society of Christian Endeavor was formed and took the place of the Young People’s Meeting, which has been held regularly since 1876. The following were the first officers: T. D. Denham, President; F. W. Wigmore, Vice-President; W. C. Cross, Secretary; Donaldson Hunt, Treasurer. To Deacon T. S. Simms is due the organization of this society—the first to be formed in Canada. It was only two years previous that the first society had been organized by Rev. Francis Clark, the father of the Christian Endeavor movement. Brother Simms brought from Portland the idea of this organization, and a copy of the constitution of the parent society. He was anxious to start a branch here, in which he was warmly supported by the pastor. Shortly after the formation of the Society there were 24 Active and 29 Associate Members, Total 53. In 1896 the membership had increased to171 Active, and 18 Associate, Total 189.